Health

One third of cancer deaths avoidable

2005-11-18T08:29:00.000-08:00

By Patricia Reaney

If people avoided major risk factors for cancer, more than a third of the 7 million annual deaths from the disease could be prevented, scientists said on Friday.

In a report in The Lancet medical journal, the researchers estimated how many deaths from 12 types of cancer were caused by exposure to nine risk factors.

They calculated that smoking, alcohol, obesity, poor diet, unsafe sex, lack of exercise and other factors contributed to 2.43 million cancer deaths worldwide in 2001.

"A third of cancer deaths could have been avoided had those risks been reduced," said Dr Majid Ezzati of the Harvard School of Public Health in the United States.

"Prevention is probably still our best bet for reducing cancer deaths. It is by far larger than what we may be able to achieve using medical technology."

Smoking, which is linked to lung, mouth, stomach, pancreatic and bladder cancers, is the biggest avoidable risk factor, followed by alcohol and not eating enough fruits and vegetables.

"Of the 2.43 million deaths, 37 percent of them are from lung cancer," said Ezzati. "The total lung cancer deaths in the world are 1.23 million and of those 900,000 of them are caused by these risk factors."

Smoking has increased in developing countries in the past few decades so the number of avoidable deaths could grow, he added.

Obesity also plays a role in colorectal and breast cancer in high income countries, according to the research.

Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) through unsafe sex is a contributing cause of cervical cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, mainly because of a lack of screening and clinical services.

Urban air pollution is a risk factor for cancer in eastern and southern Asia, while indoor smoke from burning coal is a particular problem in China.

Ezzati said hepatitis infection, which is linked to liver cancer, is sometimes spread by the use of contaminated syringes in health centers in poor countries.

More than 100 scientists around the world contributed data for the study and reviewed medical evidence.

Missing protein may hold lung cancer key

2005-11-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

A single protein may hold the key to turning the tide on lung cancer -- still the world's biggest cancer killer -- research published on Tuesday showed.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville found that type 2 receptors for Transforming Growth Factor-b -- a family of proteins that controls key functions such as cell growth and death -- were missing in non-small cell lung cancer victims.

A check on mice injected with lung cancer cells confirmed the findings, with much smaller and less aggressive tumors developing in those carrying the type 2 TGF-b receptors.

"We've established for the first time that these important molecules are either missing or that their action is reduced in three-quarters of all cases of lung cancer," said lead researcher Professor Pran Datta.

"When we restored the molecules in lung cancer cells in mice, they reduced the ability of the cells to grow as tumors," he wrote in the British Journal of Cancer.

Having established the link, researchers must now find out how or why the key receptor molecules go missing as the disease develops, in order to find a way of treating it.

Some 80 percent of lung cancers are non-small cell cancers, and the overwhelming cause of lung cancer is smoking -- either active or passive.

Fresh Soymilk - protein, B-vitamins and iron

2005-11-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

My wife finds a place to buy fresh soy bean to make soymilk. It is $0.60 per pound if buying 50 pounds bag. http://store.yahoo.com/fftosteds-store/higqualnonfo.html

Also she just ordered a soymilk maker from http://www.soymilkquick.com/order.asp

Soymilk is the rich creamy milk of whole soybeans. With its unique nutty flavor and rich nutrition, soymilk can be used in a variety of ways.

Plain soymilk is an excellent source of high-quality protein, B-vitamins and iron. Soymilk is free of the milk sugar lactose and is a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant. Also, it is a good alternative for those who are allergic to cow's milk. Children can enjoy homemade or commercially prepared soymilk after the age of 1 year.

Nutrients in 8 ounces of plain soymilk:

Regular Soymilk Lite Soymilk (reduced fat)
Calories (gm) 140 100
Protein (gm) 10.0 4.0
Fat (gm) 4.0 2.0
Carbohydrate (gm) 14.0 16.0
Sodium (mg) 120.0 100.0
Iron (mg) 1.8 0.6
Riboflavin (mg) 0.1 11.0
Calcium (mg) 80.0 80.0

Are you at risk with liver cancer?

2005-11-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

I have dinner with a doctor friend over the weekend. He is specialized in cancer. He told me nowdays many cancers can be cured, such as skin, stomach, breast, etc., but still liver and lung cancer cured rate is very low.

Studies have shown the following risk factors:

Chronic liver infection (hepatitis) -- Certain viruses can infect the liver. The infection may be chronic. (It may not go away.) The most important risk factor for liver cancer is a chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus or the hepatitis C virus. These viruses can be passed from person to person through blood (such as by sharing needles) or sexual contact. An infant may catch these viruses from an infected mother. Liver cancer can develop after many years of infection with the virus.

These infections may not cause symptoms, but blood tests can show whether either virus is present. If so, the doctor may suggest treatment. Also, the doctor may discuss ways of avoiding infecting other people.

In people who are not already infected with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis B vaccine can prevent chronic hepatitis B infection and can protect against liver cancer. Researchers are now working to develop a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection.

Cirrhosis -- Cirrhosis is a disease that develops when liver cells are damaged and replaced with scar tissue. Cirrhosis may be caused by alcohol abuse, certain drugs and other chemicals, and certain viruses or parasites. About 5 percent of people with cirrhosis develop liver cancer.

Aflatoxin -- Liver cancer can be caused by aflatoxin, a harmful substance made by certain types of mold. Aflatoxin can form on peanuts, corn, and other nuts and grains. In Asia and Africa, aflatoxin contamination is a problem. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not allow the sale of foods that have high levels of aflatoxin.

Being male -- Men are twice as likely as women to get liver cancer.

Family history -- People who have family members with liver cancer may be more likely to get the disease.

Age -- In the United States, liver cancer occurs more often in people over age 60 than in younger people.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

2005-10-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make it fire proof, the eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision. Better pick cosutomes that are brightly colored or have reflective tape.

Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and a costume that does not make walking difficult

Carry a flashlight so you can see and be seen.

Wear makeup instead of a face mask. If you choose to wear a mask, take it off when walking.

Trick-or-treat at houses in your neighborhood where you know the homeowners.

Trick-or-treat in well-lighted areas.

Use sidewalks where available. When using a roadway, walk to the left.

Never enter anyone’s home without your parent.

Check all the treats and throw away any candy that is not wrapped by the candy company.

If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that kids costumes won't accidentally be set on fire.

Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.

Kids always want to help with the pumpkin carving. Small children shouldn't be allowed to use a sharp knife to cut the top or the face. There are many kits available that come with tiny saws that work better then knives and are safer, although you can be cut by them as well. It's best to let the kids clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it, which you can carve for them.

Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.

Teaching your kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights tell you to, will help make them safer when they are out Trick or Treating.

Make sure a parent goes with your kids. Going in groups, with adult supervision.

Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them.

Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions.

Make sure you set a time that they should be home by. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time.

Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem like fun but they need to know the other side of the coin as well, clean up and damages can ruin Halloween. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.

Explain to your kids that animal cruelty is not acceptable. Kids may know this on their own but peer pressure can be a bad thing. Make sure that they know that harming animals is not only morally wrong but punishable by law and will not be tolerated.

Teeth whitening

2005-10-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

The fastest way to whiten your teeth is with a professional "laser whitening". The procedure takes about an hour to an hour and a half. A dentist will apply a peroxide-based bleaching solution to your teeth, which is then activated by a special blue high intensity light or laser. It may require more than one treatment depending on the degree
of whitening needed. Cost varies greatly depending on the number of sessions and which dentist you visit, but on average, the cost ranges between $500 and $2000.

The major downside to the procedure, like many whitening treatments, is increased tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can often be reduced after the procedure by following with fluoride treatments.

In general, both laser whitening and professional tray-type treatments cause some sensitivity in most people. The sensitivity usually is not severe, and typically lasts about 24 hours. Treatment with fluoride both before and after whitening can help re-mineralize the teeth and reduce the sensitivity. In addition, brushing with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, or taking an over-the-counter ibuprofen remedy, such as Motrin or Advil, can help relieve the discomfort if sensitivity occurs.

For people with very sensitive teeth, sometimes an alternate tray-type method is used. The whitening tray is worn only for a couple of hours each day, instead of overnight. This method may cause less sensitivity than traditional overnight tray use or laser whitening, however, it may take five weeks or longer to achieve the desired effect.

The main comparison between laser whitening and tray systems does not seem to be major side effects, but rather time versus cost. Laser whitening is a much faster process, however, it is generally more expensive.

Based on efficiency, the order goes something like this

1) Laser whitening at the dentist's
2) Tray bleaching at the dentist's
3) Home bleaching with trays
4) Home bleaching with bleaching toothpaste or bleaching gel
5) Lower-end bleaching gel/cremes, and strips
6) Rembrandt whitening toothpaste (it's the best!)
7) Any other brand of whitening toothpaste.

Regular whitening toothpastes (NOT high quality bleaching pastes) are designed to remove stains on the outer layer of the tooth, whereas strips and gels will usually penetrate the tooth enamel to erase the stains that lurk deep below: these are the ones that lead to dulling and discoloration.

If your discoloration is minor and/or you're on a budget, you will do just fine with regular use of #s 5 and 6 or 7 (from the list above).

If you want to invest a little more, you will get good results from #4 and even better ones from #3. Of course, for the maximum in fast and effective whitening, you will need to visit your dentist.

Of course, all of these procedures (excepting nos. 1 and 2) will require regular and careful attention on your part. Although trays may seem like a bit of a hassle, you'll find yourself quickly adjusting to the routine. Virtually all the procedures that actually work need twice-a-day maintenance of some sort, whether that means wearing a solution-filled mouthguard or painting on a simple gel. So, unfortunately, all of these options are a little bit of a "hassle" nonetheless.

Flu Vaccine – Lawsuits and Profitability

2005-10-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

If healthy people suffer side effects from a vaccine, manufacturers can face huge lawsuits, which is one reason many companies have left the business in the last two decades.

Another reason is that vaccines simply aren't very profitable, especially flu vaccine, which must be made fresh every winter to keep up with newly circulating strains. Ironically, although there have been three shortages since 2000 and supplies are strained again this year, in most years manufacturers throw away millions of unused flu shots.

Some Chilling Aspects of Bird Flu

2005-10-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

1) A flu pandemic could happen at any time and kill between 5-150 million people, a UN health official has warned.

2) Bird flu has swept through poultry and wild birds in Asia since 2003.

3) It has killed huge numbers of birds and led to more than 60 human deaths.

4) Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) endorsed a three-year plan to combat the spread of the virus, and pledged $2m to fund research and training.

5) Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of bird flu may depend on which virus caused the infection.

6) Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are contaminated with excretions. It is believed that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.

Cold Medicine for Children

2005-10-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Cold Medicine for Children

1) Read the label, follow directions. Compare ingredients with other medicines to make sure you don't double-dose by taking two products with the same ingredient.

2) Remember that these medicines will not make your child get better any faster. They may help making your child feel more comfortable.

3) Expectorants contain guaifenesin and are supposed to help loosen mucus. They have never been proven to be helpful in children and are probably unnecessary.

4) Avoid using a multi-symptom medicine, unless your child has all of the symptoms that it relieves.

5) Common brands of children's cold medicines include:
Dimetapp
Pediacare
Robitussin
Sudafed
Triaminic, including Triaminic SoftChews
Tylenol
Vicks

5) Decongestants can help to relieve symptoms of a runny nose or stuffy nose. They include ingredients like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) was a decongestant that was removed from the market in 2000, and should be avoided. Although often helpful, decongestants can make some children hyperactive or irritable.

PediaCare Decongestant Drops for Infants
Sudafed - Children's Nasal Decongestant Chewables
Triaminic Yellow

6) Cough Suppressants
If your child's cough is interfering with sleep or his daily activities, then as long as he isn't having any trouble breathing, he may benefit from a cough suppressant, such as dextromethorphan (DM). Codeine and hydrocodone are ingredients in prescription cold medicines and may cause drowsiness.

Usually use a decongestant with a cough syrup.

Delsym Extended-Release Suspension 12 Hour Cough Relief
Robitussin DM

7) Antihistamines
While effective for a runny nose that is caused by allergies, it is the side effects of the antihistamines that can make them useful in treating colds, including drowsiness and a dry mouth and nose. They include ingredients such as diphenhydramine, brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, and carbinoxaimine, and are usually found in allergy and 'night time' cold medicines.

Dimetapp - Children's Cold & Allergy Liquid
Benadryl Allergy Relief
Triaminic Cold & Night Time Cough Syrup
PediaCare NightRest Cough & Cold for Children
Dimetapp - Children's Nighttime Flu Syrup

8) Cough and Cold Medicines
'Cough and Cold' Medicines are usually the most helpful, since they usually include a decongestant and a cough suppressant. Unless they are noted to be non-drowsy, they may also contain an antihistamine.

Dimetapp - Children's Cold & Cough Elixir
Dimetapp - Children's Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops (non-drowsy)
PediaCare Decongestant & Cough Drops for Infants (non-drowsy)
Robitussin CF Alcohol-Free Cough Syrup (non-drowsy)
Triaminic AM, Non-Drowsy Cough & Decongestant (non-drowsy)
Triaminic Cough (non-drowsy)
Triaminic Softchews for Cold & Cough
Vicks NyQuil - Children's Cold, Cough Relief
Vicks Pediatric 44M, Cough & Cold Relief

reference
http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/pharmacology/a/byb_cold_meds.htm

Flu Shot / Vaccine - what who?

2005-10-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htmSeptember 7, 2005
FAQ on Flu Vaccines

What is the flu shot?
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm.

It contains three influenza viruses. The three vaccine strains – one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus – are representative of the influenza vaccine strains recommended for that year. Viruses for the flu shot are grown in eggs.

Who should get a flu shot?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:
1.) People at high risk for complications from the flu:

People 65 years and older;

People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house those with long-term illnesses;

Adults and children 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma;

Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the previous year because of a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV/AIDS]);

Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy. (Children given aspirin while they have influenza are at risk of Reye syndrome.);

Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;

All children 6 to 23 months of age;

People with any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions (that is, a condition that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, such as brain injury or disease, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other nerve or muscle disorders.)

2.) People 50 to 64 years of age . Nearly one-third of people 50 to 64 years of age in the United States have one or more medical conditions that place them at increased risk for serious flu complications.

3.) People who can transmit flu to others at high risk for complications . Any person in close contact with someone in a high-risk group (see above) should get vaccinated. This includes all health-care workers, caregivers of children 6 to 23 months of age, and close contacts of people 65 years and older.

What is CDC’s recommendations as for “priority groups”?

These people should receive “flu shot” until October 24, 2005:

people aged 65 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions

residents of long-term care facilities

people aged 2–64 years with chronic health conditions

children aged 6–23 months

pregnant women

health-care personnel who provide direct patient care

household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age

Beginning October 24, 2005, all persons can get a flu shot.

Use of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
It should be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is always an option for healthy persons aged 5-49 years who are not pregnant. This vaccine is not subject to prioritization and can be given to healthy 5-49 year olds at any time.